Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Captain

Unit:

1st Battalion South Lancashire Regiment, 12th Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, British Army

Awarded on:

December 20th, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel

Unit:

2nd Battalion Essex Regiment, 56th Infantry Brigade, 49th (West Riding) Infantry Division, British Army

Awarded on:

April 12th, 1945

"Lt Col M.A.H. Butler (MC) was in command of his battalion during the operations to clear the SETTEN area. His battalion was continuously in action for the three days from 20th to 22nd January. The area in which the operations took place consisted of a straggling village about a mile long and half a mile wide. The houses were strongly built and the nature of the surrounding country made it impossible to deploy off the dyke bund roads. As the battalion moved forward before daylight to the start line, it was attacked by a patrol of some twenty Germans who had infiltrated through the unit that was holding the area from which the attack was to be launched. This attack struck the tactical headquarters of the 2nd Battalion The Essex Regiment. Lt. Col. Butler immediately took personal charge and by the skillful use of the troops on the spot averted what might have been a serious situation.

A few hours later, the leading company, having progressed some little way into the village, suffered heavy casualties, including the company commander and several NCOs. It was then halted by enemy strongpoints in houses. Lt Col Butler at once went forward, assisted to reorganize the company, placed two tanks in position and by his coolness under heavy enemy fire so encouraged his troops that the company once again was able to advance.

On the second day of the operation the advance was held up by strong enemy positions in the area of a big school. Again Lt. Col. Butler assisted to reorganize the leading companies and by the skilful use of tanks enabled the company to launch a successful attack on the school. His complete grasp of the situation and coolness under heavy enemy mortar and small arms fire made a marked impression on the company. On the final day of the operation he planned and executed a raid which led to the withdrawal, with heavy casualties, of forty enemy from a forward position. This raid he personally directed from one of the forward tanks.

Throughout the three days of the operation he displayed such outstanding courage in the close presence of the enemy, such unflagging energy and such tactical skill that his battalion was full of offensive spirit from the start of the operation until the enemy had finally been defeated. His conduct was an inspiration to all who saw him and undoubtedly contributed largely to the success that his battalion achieved."

Date of citation: 28 JANUARY 1945

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel

Awarded on:

May 10th, 1945

Rank:

Brigadier

Unit:

Brigade Tactical HQ, 16th Independent Parachute Brigade, British Army

Awarded on:

June 13th, 1957

Awarded for:

Operation Telescope

"In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Operations in the Near East, October-December, 1956."
--
Brig Butler lead the Parachute assault on to Gamil Airfield at Port Said with an element of his Tactical Headquarters.

Throughout the day he was continually under enemy fire from SU 100's, Heavy AA and SAA but he kept up a continuous flow of information and his planning and tactical moves were carried out with coolness and confidence. He never hesitated to go where he felt his duty called him and when he flew in some danger in a helicopter to make contact with the local authorities with whom he hoped he might organise a cease fire, but without avail.

Throughout the planning and execution of this operation Brigadier Butler has been cheerful, completely confident and constructive, and by his example and bearing he has instilled confidence into everyone, both into those with whom he worked and those who he has had had under his command.

His Brigade has been completely cheerful and supremely confident and splendidly trained and his own inspiring efforts have shown him to be a leader second to none and in action upholding the very highest tradition of the British Army."

Second DSO received as bar.

Rank:

Temporary Brigadier

Unit:

16th Parachute Brigade

Awarded on:

July 23rd, 1957

"In recognition of distinguished services in Cyprus during the period 1st January to 30th, June, 1957."
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"Brigadier BUTLER commanded 16 Parachute Brigade from May to December 1956 in CYPRUS. His Brigade was stationed in the Island for operations other than Internal Security duties, but was available as a striking force to b used by HE The Governor during this period.

Brigadier BUTLER, by his personal drive, energy and tenacity had a series of successes with his Brigade against BOKA terrorists. He conducted six major operations, each of which resulted in the killing or capture of leading terrorists and the recovery of considerable quantities of arms and ammunition.

He brought tremendous enthusiasm to his task in spite of hard living conditions and discomforts, and inspired all ranks by his personal leadership.

His planning, preparation for operations, and cover plans to deceive the enemy were carried out with infinite care and were very material in the successes achieved.

The leadership and example of Brigadier BUTLER during this period were outstanding and an inspiration to other Formations and Units in the Island."

Rank:

Major-General

Awarded on:

January 1st, 1964

Rank:

Major-General

Awarded on:

January 1st, 1968

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)